We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kaladia Chaney. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kaladia below.

Kaladia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I have always been a writer. I just did not realize my potential. When I began writing my first book, the idea of publishing it was a passing thought. I write to reflect, release, restore, heal, and be revived. When I decided to publish the book I was taking a risk by believing in myself. That my work was worth the read – that it was good enough. Then I thought about what a guest speaker wrote on my vision plan. It went something like this, “You will succeed when you learn to get out of your own way”. Like, How did she know? And at the time she scribbled that on my paper, it went right over my head. It was a few years later that I realized what she was saying to me. It was then that I began to take the risk of believing in my potential and I begin to climb uphill with a determination that I was going to go after sharing my work with the world. I published the first book and it made a few sales. At the time I was content in knowing that I had released it. It opened the door to believing that becoming an author was possible. That was in September 2016. It would be another 4 years and 5 months (Feb 17, 2021) before I would gain the confidence to really put myself out there taking risk after risk pushing past one what if after another. It’s been empowering and super exciting. I’ve only just gotten on the plane. I can’t wait to experience the actual takeoff!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

From wisdom life lessons, reflection guides, journals, and poetry, I write from authentic experiences and observations that I have learned from doing the work to live with intentionality. I captivate and encourage my readers and listeners to grow and evolve to become better than they were before. A true writer at heart, I also have a blog and write content for a podcast that my son and I have on topics that are connected to understanding and growth of our life journey. I am also a greeting card designer which was birthed out of seeking another way to promote and share my poetry. It did quite well from the start and so I really push them as they fill a need for customers looking to express their thoughts and feelings through a unique expression – a beautiful card with a poem inscribed inside. Then it became soft tees with affirming sayings that come from titles of the books and poetry I’ve written. Currently, only 2 books published, available in paperback, kindle/ebook, and 1 is also an audiobook. Just finished another book – going through the proofing process. I have a 2nd poetry book in which I am finalizing the poems that will be included. A reflection journal which is 2 chapters away from completion. An identity book I wrote for my granddaughter only needs a few pictures of my grandparents and great-grandparents. Lastly, an affirmation book is in the works with a great deal of the work completed. Here and Now Living is about living with intentionality. A successful life is one that is lived with purpose. It is achievable for anyone as success is not about the amount of money we make but accomplishing the goals we set daily for our lives and growing into better versions of ourselves with each days end.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My desire as a business owner is to set an example for my children that they can live life on their own terms. I want to leave that legacy embodied in principle and in a tangible business that they may continue to grow and make better as it gets passed on from generation to generation. I also want to inspire others to believe in themselves and their ability to show up in this world experiencing a fulfilling life. To do that I have to become that which I am desiring to pass on so I choose to live with intentionality in effort to help show a path to get there.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

This is actually, the avenue I am beginning to walk. I vendor primarily, locally, at monthly and holiday events here in Lakeland and neighboring areas. This is helping me to build connections with customers as well as networking with other vendors and store owners. I have worked to build my brand by creating items that complement the concepts and principles embodied in my books and poetry, expanding into a lifestyle that breeds presence (Here and Now Living). So my books, soft tees, and greeting cards are in one store, and a few greeting cards are in another store. I am in contact with a few more places in the process of doing the same. The next stop is chain stores.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kbchaneyhnliving.com
• Instagram: @kbchaney
• Facebook: @HNLiving
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaladiabchaney
• Twitter: @kchny85
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPblSFr0oeg1QUMkBHEIFxg